Gems of Southeast Europe Wine Cruise

Jennifer & Brian Schwan
12/29/2024

Embarking on the 2024 Gems of Southeast Europe Wine Cruise aboard the AmaVerde was an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and viticulture.  We highly recommend adding this trip to your bucket list.

Our adventure began with a flight from Philadelphia to Zurich, where we spent a delightful day exploring the city's blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.

Zurich: A Day of Swiss Delights

In Zurich, we wandered through the picturesque Old Town, marveling at medieval architecture and visiting the renowned Bahnhofstrasse for some shopping.  We visited with an old friend, tried some Swiss treats and found a local pub to watch our college (American) football rivals battle.

Bucharest: The Paris of the East

Our journey continued with a flight to Bucharest, Romania's vibrant capital. We immersed ourselves in the city's eclectic mix of neoclassical buildings and communist-era architecture. Highlights included a visit to the colossal Palace of the Parliament and a leisurely stroll through Herăstrău Park.

Embarkation in Giurgiu

A scenic drive brought us to Giurgiu, where we boarded the elegant AmaVerde. The ship's warm ambiance and attentive crew set the tone for the voyage ahead.

AmaVerde, is full of light, love and bold artwork showcasing vibrant, modern designs. Spacious, sophisticated staterooms set the mind at ease for a restful slumber, while warmth attracts visitors to the comfortable fireside library and AmaVerde’s massage and hair salon. The Main Restaurant is the perfect home to exquisite meals and local wine pairings worthy of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs — the internationally renowned gastronomic society. The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, with its glass-enclosed kitchen and unique rolled lighting fixture, gives way to a vibrant multi-course parade of dishes with distinct regional flavors paired with hand selected wines. Additional amenities on AmaVerde include unlimited high-quality complimentary Wi-Fi, a specialty coffee station, sun-deck walking track, heated swimming pool, putting green, fitness room and fleet of bikes.

Video recap of our cabin: AmaVerde Fixed Window Cabin

Cruising the Danube: A Tapestry of Cultures

Sailing from Giurgiu to Budapest, we traversed the lower Danube, uncovering the rich histories and traditions of Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, and Hungary. Each port offered unique excursions, from exploring medieval fortresses to sampling local wines in centuries-old cellars.

Wine Enthusiast's Paradise

As a wine-themed cruise, we enjoyed curated tastings and insightful lectures from renowned wine experts. The opportunity to savor regional wines, such as Hungary's Tokaji and Serbia's Prokupac, deepened our appreciation for the area's viticultural heritage.

As an added touch, Ama hosted Silver Mountain Winery from Santa Cruz, CA. They led several onboard wine tastings and provided a tremendous experience.

Budapest: A Grand Finale

Our voyage concluded in Budapest, where the majestic Parliament Building and the historic Buda Castle left us in awe. An afternoon dip in the Gellért Thermal Bath provided a magical end to our journey.

Homeward Bound

Reluctantly, we departed Budapest, flying back to Zurich and then to Philadelphia, carrying with us memories of a journey filled with cultural enrichment, culinary delights, and new friendships.